Allosaurus

One of the largest Jurassic CARNOSAURS of North America. An average Allosaurus weighed about 4 tons (3.6 metric tons) and measured 35 feet (10.5 m) from the tip of its nose to the end of its TAIL. The largest known was 45 feet (13.5 m) long. When Allosaurus stood upright, it was 16.5 feet (5 m) tall.

Like all THEROPODS, Allosaurus Walked on two legs with its heavy TAIL stretched out behind for balance. Its strong legs were built for SPEED; they had powerful muscles and heavy bones. Although its arms were short, each finger on its three-fingered HANDS was armed with a sharp CLAW that could be up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The three long toes on its FEET were equipped with eagle-like talons.

This meat eater had a strong neck. Its huge 3-foot (90 cm) long head had heavy bony knobs, or ridges, above its eyes; its enormously powerful jaws were filled with saber-like TEETH 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long. The jaws were hinged like those of a snake, so Allosaurus would have been able to swallow huge hunks of meat whole. Scientists have found APATOSAURUS vertebrae with Allosaurus tooth marks on them, evidence of a Jurassic feast!

Allosaurus remains have been found in North America; FOSSILS found in Africa and Asia may also be those of Allosaurus. It is one of the best-known carnosaurs. Sixty individuals--From juveniles to adults--were found at one site in Utah. A middle-sized species has been found in Australia.